Garissa, Kenya — The National Government has intensified drought response efforts in Garissa County amid worsening conditions across arid and semi-arid regions, rolling out water trucking and relief food assistance to support thousands of vulnerable households.
The interventions were officially flagged off today by National Drought Management Authority (NDMA) Chief Executive Officer Hared Hassan, alongside Garissa County Commissioner Mohamed Mwabudzo and County Executive Committee (CEC) Member for Water, Ahmed Ibrahim. The initiative forms part of a coordinated, whole-of-Government approach aimed at mitigating the impact of the prolonged dry spell on affected communities.
Garissa County remains in the Alert drought phase following the poor performance of the October–December 2025 short rains. Persistent water shortages, depleted pasture, and declining livestock productivity continue to exert significant pressure on household livelihoods, particularly in rural and pastoral areas.
Through the NDMA, the Government is supporting targeted water trucking for vulnerable households and critical institutions, with a focus on Lagdera and Balambala sub-counties, which have been among the hardest hit.
In addition to water support, a relief food consignment comprising 4,480 bags of rice and beans was dispatched. The food aid was provided by the State Department for Special Programmes and is intended to cushion households facing acute food insecurity.
According to NDMA estimates, more than 185,000 people in Garissa County currently require humanitarian assistance as drought conditions persist.
Speaking during the flag-off, NDMA CEO Hared Hassan noted that the National Government is closely monitoring the evolving drought situation through the Drought Early Warning System managed by the Authority. He emphasized that timely data and coordinated action are critical to ensuring that assistance reaches those most in need.
“The Government remains committed to delivering timely and targeted support to safeguard lives and livelihoods,” Hassan said, adding that collaboration between national and county governments, as well as development partners, is essential during the crisis.
He further commended the Garissa County Government and all partners for their strong cooperation, underscoring that collective action remains vital as the region continues to grapple with the effects of prolonged drought.
